Coleraine boss Ruaidhri Higgins offered no excuses for the goals his side conceded as they were beaten by HJK Helsinki in the first-leg of their Conference League second qualifying round tie.

The Bannsiders were on the wrath of a ruthless performance in front of goal from the Finnish side as they romped home five goals without reply.

Higgins’ men found themselves two goals behind at the break as Liam Moller and Pyry Mertu converted from close range.

However, Coleraine will feel they should have got themselves on the scoresheet in the opening 45 minutes as Conor McMenamin sailed lob over the crossbar from an inviting position, with Dylan Boyle’s low shot also flashing wide.

placeholder image — Coleraine manager Ruaidhri Higgins reacted to his side's loss in Helsinki, (Dylan Kirkpatrick/Coleraine FC)

Helsinki inflicted further damage in the second half when Toivo Mero scored within a minute of play resuming, with Teemu Pukki then coming off the bench to bag two further goals as Coleraine suffered a 5-0 loss.

"The feeling is obvious disappointment," Higgins told the club's social media platforms.

"I think the manner of the goals we give away and the timing of the goals we give away were extremely disappointing.

"Extremely disappointing...there's no getting away from it.

"We gave up terrible goals but we actually started the game and had decent control in the first 10 or 11 minutes.

"We had our own throw-in and they scored...but listen we contributed to a lot of their goals.

"But listen, that's on us and we have to accept that.”

Coleraine started the contest with Joel Cooper and Will Patching on the bench and Higgins explained the reasons behind the duo initially missing out.

There was a further blow as Mark Coyle and Aidan Wilson also had to be withdrawn through injury in the Finnish capital.

He added: "In these types of games, especially when they are in their prime fitness, we're still searching for fitness.

"A lot of our lads like (Joel) Cooper, (Will) Patching etc have had very little football in pre-season.

"Cameron Stewart picked up an injury last week, then we got two defensive-minded players Aidan Wilson and Mark Coyle pick up what looks like quite serious injuries.

"We were a bit makeshift and disjointed but that still doesn't take away from the fact that we have to do better.

"They didn't have to do too much to score their goals and we have to learn from that and learn fast.

"We have to take it on the chin and try to move on as best as we possibly can.”

Higgins was also quick to thank the travelling support who made time to applaud the squad despite the defeat.

"Our supporters were brilliant, even how they received us at the end of the game, not every club that happens,” he continued.

"We thank them for their efforts getting out here because we know it's not cheap.

"As I said, we're still in pre-season if we're being really honest. For us to get some sort of result out here we need to right at it and have everyone fit and available.

"I have to say that wasn't the case tonight, but as I said, that doesn't excuse some of the goals we gave away."